Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A Dream of a City Past Review

By (Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/02/2018 to 06/09/2018 with

IFSA: London - Queen Mary, University of London

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was absolutely worthwhile! Because the courses I took were far less demanding than my typical Brandeis courses, I had a lot of time to just go out and explore the city.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

Overall, I had a great experience at QM, but I would also describe it as "inefficient." QM wasn't too responsive when I had difficulties with the healthcare resources and housing. Also, the educational administration was a bit disorganized (part of which can be credited to the fact that the professors went on strike half way through the semester, but this was also evident from the beginning). IFSA, however, was great! They were a super helpful support system throughout it all.

Finances

* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Budget! London is an expensive city, so mapping out a weekly allowance helps your abroad funds last the whole trip.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The opportunity to be independent
  • The opportunity to explore a great city
* What could be improved?
  • QM could take action sooner with student concerns
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? n/a